We are just six months away from the 43rd edition of WrestleMania, which will be the first ever outside of North America. The build to the massive event starts around this time of year, and that is why rumors have swirled recently about the potential main events for the two-night event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Recently, a report suggested a SummerSlam rematch between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes was penciled in as the Night 1 headliner. However, on Friday, Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer claimed Rhodes vs. Punk II actually was not the current pick to main event on Saturday.
While Night 2 is still expected to conclude with a matchup between Oba Femi and Roman Reigns, we offer up some early guesses for the first evening’s headliner.
Royce Keys vs. Cody Rhodes
The faction 946, led by Royce Keys, is one of the hottest acts on RAW right now. But chances are the group will lose in a rumored War Games match versus The Bloodline. However, that doesn’t mean their push will end.
If WWE creative believes in Keys and his crew’s upside, it would not be surprising if they took a chance by moving him to SmackDown and putting him in the Night 1 main event. A perfect hero for him to face off against would be Rhodes, and the night could end with a rare heel leaving with the title belt.
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn
With Kevin Owens back and Sami Zayn a heel WWE champion, the two friends have renewed their legendary rivalry.
After Zayn had a very short reign in the summer, it seems very possible he holds on to the belt until WrestleMania. The beloved Owens shockingly winning the Royal Rumble and choosing to face Zayn would be entertaining television. Furthermore, finally becoming a world champion again a year after returning from a career-threatening injury would be a top feel-good moment in 2027.
Bron Breakker vs. Gunther
After Bron Breakker fell just short in this year’s Money in the Bank match, he will be a popular choice to win the Royal Rumble in January. Choosing to face Reigns in a spear vs. spear matchup would be fun. But he could go in a different direction.
It feels like a matter of time before Gunther gets the WWE title on SmackDown. If he were able to get it before WrestleMania 43, a Breakker vs. Gunther clash would be a fresh showcase of two stars that will be main event players for many years to come.
Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes
Going back to the idea of Gunther getting the WWE title back, it would not be surprising if WWE found a way to get Rhodes into a main event match to face off with the man he had a rivalry with earlier this year.
However, with speculation growing about a Rhodes heel turn, what if it came at WrestleMania as he went to new levels to defeat the Austrian? It would be even more interesting if the match was a double turn that created something fans haven’t seen: A babyface Gunther.
Seth Rollins vs. Penta
While it is more likely that Penta will try to use his MITB contract after WrestleMania, maybe he cashes in before, and WWE supercharges his push by putting him in one of the two main events?
If they did, he should get the win. But who could be a sacrificial lamb and great opponent that would not be hurt by a loss? Enter Seth Rollins. The Visionary has been MIA since SummerSlam. Making a return soon and working his way into a title match by Mania could happen, and a Penta vs. Rollins match could be dynamite.